Glucosamine for an older horse

Impulsive Pops · Foal

Glucosamine for an older horse

Gary Stuart · Well Schooled

I've read that glucosamine not work, but on the other hand, my mother took it for arthritis in her knee and it made a big difference.

I've heard people say that they add condroitin, but studies say it is ineffective.

Have you tried MSM?

justice · Grand Prix

Glucosamine, a popular supplement for arthritis, is only one component of many required for good joint health and maintenance. Thoughtful training and career management are also effective but let's stick with the supplement flow for now : ) Chondroitins help bind and add to the development of cartalige(sp). Much like baking a cake with yeast, eggs, etc.: need all to create one. There is much discussion of whether oral or injected supps are more or less effective, as well.

Cartalige(sp) cushions the joints and generates hyaluronic acid, HA lubricates the joints. Various proportions of each can work just fine when there is a need for/void of such things for most horses but there are always a few that will metabolically defer. It depends on the horse, the use and the degree if deterioration. MSM is a naturally occuring, fabulous anti-inflammatory (tho I have seen it take up to 6 months to be fully effective) when inflammation is presented. Maybe not a bad idea for your boy, but talk to your vet first : )

I, personally, am not so convinced of the positive effects of prophylactic use with some supplements but I know that many competitiors and recreators use gluco/chond. regularly and freely, consistently claiming good results. Not saying wait til the animal is debilitated, just to be observant and meet actual needs. Using the right supplement for the right issue is also prudent and will improve the chances of getting better results.

For an older horse that has BTDT, chances are that some arthritis/wear and tear changes have taken place in several joints. Talk to your vet. Common sites are hocks, back and knees tho arthritis is not limited or exclusive to any one location. MSM with G/C might be all that he needs, if it works for him : )

**At the risk of becoming windy here, I would like to offer this general FYI in re supplements:
Where there is little to no federal regulation of such things animal related, the components of supplements can vary from brand to brand, lot to lot, much like generic medications for human use. Each company will shop for the best price in fillers/buffers and tho sold as XXX, the ratios of supporting ingredients will vary. This, along with the diverse range of inspiration for useage, will result in inconsistent results.

-- Edited by justice on Saturday 11th of December 2010 01:02:09 PM

MagsNMe · Advanced

My vet is of the opinion that chondroiten mostly gives you expensive pee. I use glucosamine and MSM, and vitamin C assists in the absorption of the glucosamine. We use it on my Mom's 24 year old, who is my ex-jumper, and I use it as a preventive on my 9 year old dressage horse. We also use an injectable on her once a year.